Modeling a systematic-innovation approach for green product design

Abstract

Technology developing always impacts environment. Designers must consider the balance between technical innovation and environmental protection when creating an innovative product. This paper presents a systematic-innovation design method for green product based on the QFD approach and TRIZ tools. Conceptual design is considered to be one of the pivotal components in New Product Development (NPD) process which has a significant impact on downstream NPD activities. Despite the recognized importance of conceptual design, there is a lack of a systematic and effective innovation creating process for green product. To address this gap, a useful and powerful design method of systematic innovation is created for green product, depending on the capability of QFD detailed problem analysis and the prowess of TRIZ innovative idea generation. The proposed design method was developed with QFD-I and an eco-contradiction matrix identifying the contradiction between customer needs and eco-efficiency elements for deriving TRIZ invention principles. The related specific solutions are conducted from these invention principles. The eco-innovative product could be created depended on these specific solutions. A case study of the innovative garden eco-light design was demonstrated for the applicability of this method and the results validated the feasibility and effectiveness.